Control means for clothes driers or the like



T. R. SMITH June 15, 1954 CONTROL MEANS FOR CLOTHES DRIERS OR THE LIKE 5Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 5, 1955 June 15, 1954 s rrH 2,680,914

CONTROL MEANS FOR CLOTHES DRIERS OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 5, 1955 5Sheets-Sheet 2 VOL 75 INVENTOR.

June 15, 1954 T. R. SMITH 2,680,914

CONTROL MEANS FOR CLOTHES DRIERS OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 5, 1953 5Sheets-Sheet 3 JNVENTOR.

Thomas/E? 5/22/71,

T. R. SMITH June 15, 1954 CONTROL MEANS FOR CLOTHES DRIERS OR THE LIKE 5Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 5, 1953 INVENTOR- jkafiw zfi BY w w w l a 0 nW 1 1 H; w FL. A 4 5 T. R SMITH June 15, 1954 CONTROL MEANS FOR CLOTHESDRIERS OR THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 5, 1953 INVENTOR. By7720772351? 5%,

Patented June 15, 1954 CONTROL MEANS FOR CLOTHES DRIER/S OR THE LIKEThomas It. Smith,

Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, acorporation of Delaware Application February 5, 1953, Serial No. 335,186

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to new and novel liquid control means fora liquid container wherein certain operationsare performed, and moreparticularly to such control means for use in a water condenser clothesdrier. As to all common subject-matter it is a partial continuation ofmy copending application Serial No. 259,580, filed December 3, 1Q51, forClothes Drier.

In that type of clothes drier heat is used to evaporate moisure from theclothing and the moisture is condensed by means of water which isintroduced into the casing and discharged to drain either by gravity orby a pump. It will be apparent that should the outlet means or the pumpbecome clogged, the continued flow of condensing water would flood theclothes drier with undesirable results. Furthermore, with this type ofdrier, undesirable results can be obtained if the operator neglects toturn on the water faucet supplying the condensing water. Were the drieroperated under such circumstances, the moisture evaporated from theclothing would tend to build up pressure inside the drier and the samewould seep out through any openings or seams in the drier, condensing inthe drier cabinet and which is not desirable.

Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel liquidcontrol means for an apparatus where a certain operation takes placewithin a container, and which operation requires introduction of liquidinto the same, such, for example, as takes denser clothes drier ashereinabove described.

The present invention contemplates a liquid control means for overcomingthe above difiiculties in a water condenser clothes drier, or the like,wherein .a control circuit is provided in combination with meansresponsive to a predetermined liquid level in the casing or containerfor the liquid which includes a switch in said circuit whereby thecircuit is rendered inoperative should the liquid in the casing orcontainer reach a predetermined level because of clogging of thedischarge opening therefor, or failure of the pump if such be used inthe combination, such liquid control means further contemplating theincorporation of means responsive to the pressure in the intake conduitfor the water which is interconnected with the switch to render thecircuit inoperativein the absence of liquid pressure therein even thoughthe circuit place within a water con- Lil has been conditioned foroperation of the device, thus overcoming the undesirable resultshereinbefore mentioned;

A further object of the invention is to provide a liquid control meansas immediately hereinsuch condensing water for any reason rises above apredetermined level.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelliquidcontrol means as described above, in which the pressure responsivedevice may be mounted in the liquid intake, formed as a part of anelectrically operated valve, and communicating with the intake sidethereof, or, if desired, such device may be associated with the controlswitch for acting directly thereon. Such device, as well as the meansresponsive to a predetermined liquid level, may take the form of liquidpressure responsive diaphragms, the former of which is spring biased to?respond to any desired pressure in the intake conduit. Where such formerdevice is associated with said intake, any suitable interconnectingmeans, such as a cord or the like, may be used between the diaphragm andswitch.

ns a further desideratum, the present invention contemplates a novelcontrol circuit conthree-wire circuit, wherein the stituted by a heatingmeans is connected across the main circult conductors and the controlswitch is located in the neutral wire connected in series to one or moreof the main circuit conductors with the drive and timer motors, theelectrically operated valve for the intake and any other elementsdesired, such, for example, as a door switch, pilot light, andinspection lamp.

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended bythe invention, as will later appear, and as are inherently possessedthereby.

-Referring to the drawings- Figure 1 is a front view in elevation of aclothes drierembodying the the rear wall of the casing for the clothesdrier present invention and having parts cut away to show certainconstructions disclosing a liquid level switch mechanism for controllingthe operating circuit under certain circumstances;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken along line l-4of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation of the switchmechanism shown in Figures 3 and t of the drawings;

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of an electrically operated valvemechanism controlling the flow of liquid into the casing for the clothesdrier and embodying certain features of construction of the presentinvention;

Figure '7 is a diagrammatic disclosure of a control circuit {or theclothes drier; v

Figure 8 is an illustrative view of a modified form of control for theoperating circuit of a drier disclosing the interlock between the Micro-Switch and the intake side of the water inlet; and

Figure 9 is an illustrative view of still another modified form ofcontrol for the operating circuit of a drier disclosing the interlockbetween the Micro-Switch and the intake side of the water inlet.

Referring now more in detail to the drawings, an embodiment of thepresent invention is disclosed in assembled relation with a clothesdrier, generally referred to by the reference numeral 2, which is formedwith a casing it and an inner perforated drum 6, horizontally mountedfor rotation within the casing as at 8, through the rear wall it of saidcasing.

The casing and drum are mounted upon any suitable frame structure 12,and the same are enclosed by any suitable cabinet, such as Hi, topresent a pleasing appearance as a household appliance.

The front wall of the drum 6 is formed with an opening which isconcentric with a similar opening in the casing 41 (both of which arenot shown in the drawings), the same being in alignment with a door l6formed as a part of the cabinet and hinged thereto, as at 8, for accessto the interior of the drum 6, whereby clothes to be dried may beintroduced through the access openings and removed therefrom after adrying operation. This door is provided with a handle 26 for operating alatch to secure the same in closed position.

The assembly further includes a motor 22 suitably mounted upon the framestructure l2, and having a belt and pulley drive, generally referred toas as, for rotating the pulley 25 mounted on the shaft 28 formed as apart of the perforated drum 6, whereby the drum may be rotated at anydesired speed.

This motor on its opposite side is operatively connected through a beltand pulley mechanism 36 to a pulley 3?. for driving a centrifugal pump34 mounted at the lowermost portion of the easing. The pump has anintake communicating with the interior of the casing 5 and a dischargeconduit 35 for removing condensing liquid from the interior of thecasing d, as will be hereinafter more fully explained.

The drier herein disclosed is of the type which uses a cooling liquidfor condensing the vapor extracted from the clothes during the dryingoperation. This drying operation is effected through the medium of oneor more heating elements, diagrammatically shown in the control circuitof Figure '1 as 38, and mounted in the chamber formed by the casing 4,perferably adjacent the top thereof. The cooling liquid is introducedthrough a conduit at to a distributor 42 formed with a perforated wall44 on the inside of the casing 4, whereby the cooling liquid is allowedto liow as a thin sheet extending between the front and rear walls ofthe casing l downwardly over the inner wall 46 thereof, the same beingremoved by the pump 3-; to drain.

The vapor extracted from the clothes is condensed by the cooling liquidon the wall 45, where by the same, together with the condensed liquid,is discharged by the pump.

The conduit do is connected to the outlet 48 of a solenoid operatedvalve 59, which valve in its construction conforms generally to thevalve construction forming the subject matter of the Smith applicationfiled June 10, 1950, and bearing Serial No. 167,284, except that onlythe cold water side of the valve is used. The intake 52 of the valve issuitably connected by a flexible hose, or the like, to a faucet forsupplying cold water to the system. This valve varies from the valve ofsaid application in other respects, as will be hereinafter described.

As hereinabcve set forth, the present invention is particularly directedto certain mechanisms which are interlocked to avoid possibilities ofoperating conditions which might result in damage to or deterioration ofthe clothes drier, and which would, if they happen, cause considerableinconvenience to the operator.

Firstly, a situation may arise where for some reason the pump may fail,or the discharge means from the casing A may become clogged,

under which circumstances continued flow of the condensing water willflood the clothes drier, with undesirable results.

Secondly, in the absence of structure as hereinafter pointed out, thedrier might be placed in operation without the operator turning on thefaucet to introduce the condensing liquid into the casing 4. If thiswere permitted, the moisture evaporated from the clothing would tend tobuild up a pressure inside the drier which would seep out through anyopenings or seams in the easing into the drier cabinet and drip onto thefloor. Furthermore, the drying action would be greatly retarded,resulting in a long tumbling and stewing of the clothes in a hot steamyatmosphere, which would be very undesirable.

To overcome these possible difficulties, the present inventioncontemplates a liquid level responsive Micro-Switch 55 mounted in anydesired manner upon the rear wall it of the casing 4, said switch havingthe contacts 56 as shown in Figure '7 of the drawings, which are openedand closed by means of a pivoted arm 58. Mounted on the outer end of thearm 58 by means of a swaged pin 59 is a thin plate or disc member 513which is biased by a light spring loading in the switch (not shown)against a flexible rubber diaphragm 6i mounted across an openingdisposed in the rear wall in adjacent the sump 35. The outer peripheryof the diaphragm is clamped against the outer surface of the rear wallin to provide a seal by means of a generally annular shaped ring member52 which has its lower portion or sector secured to the rear wallthrough screws 53, and its upper portion or sector pressed against thewall by means of compression screws 64. carried in a sector shapedinwardly opening Z-shaped bracket El. An arrangement of this type isreadily assembled and disassembled and provides a smooth surface to theinterior of the casing to prevent the accumulation of lint about thediaphragm, By mounting the diaphragm in the lowermost portion of theside wall andso proportioning its size and resiliency, it wi1l1respondto a very low head of liquid, should the drain opening be clogged, bypressing against the disc which in turn moves the arm 58 to open thecircuit.

Under normal operating conditions, the drying cycle is controlled by atimer 66, diagrammatically shown in Figure 7, and in the absence offailure of the pump 34 or clogging of the dis charge means from thecasing 4, the drier is under control of the timer and will go through acycle of operation in accordance with the setting'of the said timer.

Should the pump fail, or the discharge means become clogged, water willimmediately arise within the casing 4 to such point that the diaphragmEl is caused to bulge outwardly under the hydrostatic head, whereby theplate 69 carrying the pin 59 moves the pivoted arm 58 to open thecontacts 56 of the Micro-Switch, which will render the circuitinoperative and cause the drier to stop its operation.

The control circuit in its details will be hereinafter more fully setforth.

The present invention contemplates the use of a single switch to obviatethe possibilities of the second contingency arising, namely: operationof the clothes drier without opening the service faucet to introduce athe casing 4. In the illustrative example of the invention, the solenoidvalve which is secured to the frame structure I 2 through any suitablemeans, such as the bracket 58, is modified to include a diaphragm I0suitably mounted in any desired manner, as by means of the bracket 68and securing means 72 on the housing for the solenoid valve 58. Thismounting further involves a closure member 14 having an aperture 76therethrough, said closure member also being held in operative positionthrough the securing The diaphragm ii! is in communication through aconduit or passage 18 with the intake side 52 of the valve 50, betweenthe valve and the service faucet, and in the absence of liquid pressureon the intake side of the valve, the diaphragm is is in the position asshown in Figure 6,. the same being forced into said position by means ofa coil spring 80 having abutting relation with the housing member M atone end and having abutting relation with a follower member 82 at itsother end. The follower member 82 is connected by a flexible cord 84, tothe pivoted arm 58 of the Micro-Switch, the same passing through eyelets36 and 8'! adjacent the bottom of the solenoid valve 50 and through aneyelet 33 attached to the Micro-Switch 54.

In this valve the condensing water enters the valve 56 at the inlet 52,passes through the constant flow control orifice 5|, across the valveseat 53, and out of the discharge end '53 connected to the conduit 40.In this instance, the sealing element is of the diaphragm type and isunder the control of a solenoid operated plunger 5'? which is adapted tocontrol the flow of water to the condensing water inlet chamber 32.

In the absence of pressure on the intake side 5 of the solenoid valve50, the positioning of the diaphragm 10 under the influence of thespring causes the flexible cord B l to move the pivoted arm 53 of theMicro-Switch to open the contacts Thus, even though the timer may be}'set for a drying cycle, the control ci-rcuitis rendered inoperative tocause operation of'the drier.

Accordingly, the results desired to overcome the cooling liquid into twopotentiallyundesirable circumstances which might occur in a clothesdrier of the type herein disclosed is overcome by the two mechanismsinvolved, the same being interlocked through a single control switch inthe control circuit.

The control circuit of the device is a threewire circuit having the maincircuit conductors 9G and 92 to which one or more heating elements 38are connected in order to supply a 220-volt circuit for the heatingelements.

The circuit further includes a middle or neutral conductor 94, wherebyvolts may be supplied between the neutral conductor and either one ofthe main circuit conductors 9B or 52. As shown in Figure 7 of thedrawings, the Micro- Switch 54 has its contacts 55 in the neutralconductor 84, and said conductor further has a door switch 96 suitablyassociated with the door i5, whereby operation of the drier is preventeduntil such time as the door is closed. This door switch is a two-wayswitch which, when the door is in open position, completes a circuitthrough the contact 98 between conductors 92 and 94, whereby the lamp Ias is lighted so that removal of the clothes from the interior isfacilitated.

The Micro-Switch 5B is in series with the drive motor 22, pilot lightI02, motor Iii i for driving the timer 56, and the solenoid valve 50,the circuit including these operating elements being connected to themain conductor til through the conductor H36 and the timer circuit N38.

The above described-circuit further includes the thermostat H9 in themain conductor 98, said thermostat being located within the chamoerprovided by the casing i to render the circuit inoperative in the eventthe temperature therein exceeds a predetermined amount. Alsoincorporated in the circuit is a centriiugally operated switch I I 2 forthe drive motor, the same being incorporated so that in the event thatcontacts 5d of the Micro-Switch 54 are opened because of either one ofthe contingencies hereinabove set forth, the deceleration of the drive amotor when this occurs causes the centrifugal switch H2 to open, wherebythe main circuit for the heating elements is broken to render the drierinoperative.

Figure 8 shows a modified form of control for the circuit of a clothesdrier of the type l1erein before described, the same including a Micro-Switch H 3 corresponding to the Micro-Switch 541 of the first describedembodiment. As in the previously described embodiment, this Micro-Switch is included in a circuit as disclosed in Figure 7 of thedrawings. This Micro-Switch is provided with the usual contacts formaking andbreaking the circuit through the pivotal IIB. In thisembodiment, the liquid level diaphragm II 3 is mounted in the opening I29 of the rear wall In of the casing in any desired manner, for example,by means of the annular securing element I22 connected, by means ofscrews !24, to said rear wall. The diaphragm I I 3 carries a pin I26 inopposed relation to the pivotal arm I It of the switch lid.

The water intake conduit 5 28 is shown being provided with the valve23s, said intakeconduit being connected to the intake side of a solenoidvalve 59 which has discharge conduit 32 connected thereto and leading tothe distributor d2 of the drier. Between the solenoid valve 56 and thevalve I 3c "is a diaphragm assembly I 34 conforming in it's essentialsto the previously .de-

scribed diaphragm assembly associated with the solenoid 50, saidassembly including the diaphragm I36 enclosed by the housing I38 securedto the intake conduit I28 as by means of screws Mil or the like, thesaid housing serving to hold the marginal edges of the diaphragm betweenthe same and the said intake conduit I28. This diaphragm I36 is incommunication with the intake conduit I28 through an opening I42.Interposed between the housing I38 and the diaphragm I36 is a coilspring I44 which tends to move the diaphragm I33 into the position asshown in Figure 8 of the drawing in the absence of water pressure in theconduit I2t. The diaphragm I36 is interconnected with the pivotal arm H6of the Micro-Switch II I through the medium of an interlocking elementI46 which extends through an opening I45 in the housing I38.

As will be apparent, the control as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings isin such a position that the contacts of the Micro-Switch I I4 are inopen position. As soon as the valve I36 is open and pressure is appliedto the diaphragm I36, the same is caused to move outwardly to allow thepivotal arm H6 to move into engagement with the pin I26, thereby closingthe contacts of the Micro-Switch to complete the circuit as previouslydescribed. In the event that the Water level in the casing for thedrier, as previously described, should rise a predetermined amount, thediaphragm II8 will be caused to move outwardly with respect to the wallI6 to move the arm II6 of the Micro-Switch to cause the contacts thereofto open and to thereby de-energize the control circuit. It will also beappreciated that the operation of the drier cannot be initiated eventhough the circuit may be conditioned until such time as the operatoropens valve I66.

Figure 9 discloses a further modified form of control for the circuit ofa clothes drier of the type hereinbeiore disclosed and described. Thisembodiment conforms in a good many respects to the form shown in Figure8 of the drawings and, accordingly, similar elements will be referred toby similar reference numerals.

The Micro-Switch usual contacts for making and breaking a circuitthrough a pivotal arm I I6. The liquid level dia phragm I It is mountedin opening I20 of the rear wall Ill of the casing in any desired manner,for example, by means of the annular securing element I22 connected, asby screws I24, to said rear wall. The diaphragm IIB carries a pin I41 inopposed relation to the pivotal arm I I6 of the switch H5.

The water intake conduit I28 is shown as being provided with the valveI39, the said intake conduit being connected to the intake side of thesolenoid valve 59 which has a discharge conduit I32 connected theretoand leading to the distributor 52 of the drier. interposed between theintake valve I36 and the solenoid valve 56 and communicating with theconduit I28 is a conduit his having an enlarged housing I56 at the outerend thereof in which the diaphragm I36 is mounted. Interposed betweenthe housing I56 and the diaphragm I36 is a coil spring IM for normallyurging the diaphragm 336 into a position to move the lever arm 425 ofthe Micro- Switch to break the circuit when there is no water pressureacting on the inside face of the diaphragm, which circumstances wouldprevail when the valve I39 is closed. Diaphragm I36 and the lever arm II6 of the switch is interconnected by the interlocking element I52. Thiselement is connected at one end to the diaphragm I36 and H4 is providedwith the extends outwardly through an opening I49 in the housing I50 andthrough an opening in the lever arm I46 and is provided with an enlargedhead I54 at the outer end thereof.

As will be apparent from the disclosure, the lever arm I66 of theMicro-Switch is in abutting relation with the pin I41 of the water leveldiaphragm I It so that in the event the water in the casing rises abovea predetermined amount, the diaphragm I IE will be caused to moveoutwardly to raise the lever arm I I6 and to break the contacts of theMicro-Switch so as to render the circuit inoperative.

As shown, the diaphragm I36 is in the position which it takes when thereis water pressure in the intake conduit I28 and the conduit I48, butwhen the valve i 30 is closed the enlarged head I54 engages the leverarm I46 of the Micro-Switch H4 to raise the same to disengage thecontacts and to break the circuit. This is the position of the lever armM6 when the valve I39 is closed and, as previously described, thecircuit is rendered inoperative even though conditioned for a cycle ofoperation until the valve 13!) is opened to admit water through thedistributor 2 to the drier.

While I have herein described and upon the drawings shown illustrativeembodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited thereto, but may comprehend other constructions,arrangements of parts, details and features without departing from thespirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a clothes drier, the combination of a casing, a drum within saidcasing for receiving clothes to be dried, a motor for rotating saiddrum, heating means for evaporating moisture contained within saidclothes, conduit means for supplying a cooling liquid into said casingto condense the vapor within said casing produced during a dryingoperation, means for discharging said liquid and condensed vapor fromsaid casing, a control circuit including said motor and heating meanstherein, a switch in said circuit, means responsive to an abnormal risein the liquid level in said casing to operate said switch whereby saidcircuit is rendered inoperative should the liquid in said casing reachsaid abnormal level, and means also responsive to the pressure in saidconduit means for controlling operation of said switch to render saidcircuit inoperative in the absence of liquid pressure in said conduitmeans even though said circuit has been conditioned for operation ofsaid drier.

2. In a clothes drier, the combination of a casing, a drum within saidcasing for receiving clothes to be dried, a motor for rotating saiddrum, heating means for evaporating moisture contained within saidclothes, conduit means for supplying a cooling liquid into said casingto condense the vapor within said casing produced during a dryingoperation, a pump having outlet means for discharging said liquid andcondensed vapor from said casing driven by said motor, a control circuitincluding said motor and heating means therein, a switch in saidcircuit, means responsive to an abnormal rise in the liquid level insaid casing to operate said switch whereby said circuit is renderedinoperative should the liquid in said casing reach said abnormal level,should said pump fail, or the inlet or outlet therefor becomeobstructed, and means also responsive to the pressure in said conduitmeans for controlling operation of said switch to render said circuitinoperative in the absence of liquid pressure in said conduit means eventhough said said drier.

3. In a clothes drier, the combination of a casing, a drum Within saidcasing for receiving clothes to be dried, a motor for rotating saiddrum, heating means for evaporating moisture contained within saidclothes, conduit means for supplying a cooling liquid into said casingto condense the vapor within said casing produced during a dryingoperation, means for discharging said liquid and condensed vapor fromsaid casing, an electrically operated valve in said supply conduit forcontrolling flow of liquid into said casing, a control circuit includingsaid motor, heating means and valve, a switch in said control circuit,means responsive to an abnormal rise in the liquid level in said casingto operate said switch whereby said circuit is rendered inoperatveshould the liquid in said casing reach said abnormal level, and meansforming a part of said valve responsive to the pressure on the intakeside of said valve and also interconnected with said switch forcontrolling the same to render said circuit inoperative in the absenceof liquid pressure on said intake side even though said circuit has beenconditioned for operation of said drier.

4. A clothes drier according to claim 2, in which a diaphragm is mountedin communicating relation with said casing for operating the switch whenliquid therein reaches said abnormal level.

5. A clothes drier according to claim 2, in which a spring presseddiaphragm mounted in the supply conduit is interconnected with theswitch for control thereof.

6. A clothes drier according to claim 2, in which a diaphragm is mountedin communicating relation with said casing for operating the switch whenliquid therein reaches said abnormal level, and in which a springpressed diaphragm mounted in the supply conduit is interconnected withthe switch for control thereof.

7. A clothes drier according to claim 3, and in which the means forminga part of the valve in- 10 cludes a spring pressed diaphragm mounted inthe valve and is in communication with the in take side thereof forcontrolling the switch.

8. A clothes drier according to claim 3, in which a timer mechanismdriven by a timer motor in the control circuit is provided to controlthe operation of the drier.

9. In a clothes drier, the combination of a casing, a drum within saidcasing for receiving clothes to be dried, a drive motor for rotatingsaid drum, heating means for evaporating moisture contained within saidclothes, conduit means for supplying a cooling liquid into said casingto condense the vapor within said casing produced during a dryingoperation, an electrically controlled valve in said supply conduit forcontrolling fiow of liquid therethrough, a timer for controlling theoperation of said drier, a motor for driving said timer, a three-wirecontrol circuit including a neutral conductor and having said heatingmeans disposed across the main circuit conductors, a switch in saidneutral conductor, means responsive to an abnormal rise in the liquidlevel in said casing to operate said switch in series with said driveand timer motors and said valve connected to one of said main circuitconductors to render said control circuit inoperative should the liquidin said casing reach said abnormal level, and means responsive to thepressure in said conduit means on the intake side of said valve for alsocontrolling operation of said switch to render said control circuitinoperative in the absence of liquid pressure in said conduit means eventhough said circuit has been conditioned by said timer for operation ofsaid drier.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

